Impulse engine

ABSTRACT

Two non-magnetic tubes are journalled to a frame for rotation about a common axis which is transverse to the longitudinal axes of the two tubes. The tubes are rotated in opposite directions about their common axis by corresponding electric motors. Each tube has an electrical coil wound therearound and a ferromagnetic mass slideably mounted therein. Each ferro-magnetic mass is normally urged outwardly in its tube by centrifugal force due to the rotation of the tube. A source of electrical energy is periodically coupled to the coils of each tube at a predetermined angular position of the tube in its cycle of rotation to abruptly oppose centrifugal movement of the ferro-magnetic mass therein, thereby generating a reaction force tending to impart motion to the frame.

' United States Patent [191 Gaffney '[451 Feb. 5, 1974 IMPULSE ENGINE [76] Inventor: Arthur J. Gaffney, W232 S8785 Bronk Dr., Big Bend, Wis. 53103 [22] Filed: Mar. 16, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 235,375

[52] US. Cl ..-318/139, 310/23, 310/84, 60/10, 180/65 [51] .Int. Cl. H02k 7/06 [58] Field of Search 60/6, 7, 8, 9, 10; 310/24, 310/23, 22, 84; 290/1; 318/1, 139; 180/65 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,338,048 8/1967 Studer 310/24 3,676,719 7/1972 Pecci 310/24 3,501,655 3/1970 Siefert 310/84 Primary ExaminerG. R. Simmons Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Arthur L. Morsell, Jr.

T0 TIM ABSTRACT Two non-magnetic tubes are journalled to a frame for rotation about a common axis which is transverse to the longitudinal axes of the two tubes. The tubes are rotated in opposite directions about their common axis by corresponding electric motors. Each tube has an electrical coil wound therearound and a ferromagnetic mass slideably mounted therein. Each ferromagnetic mass is normally urged outwardly in its tube by centrifugal force due to the rotation of the tube. A

source of electrical energy is periodically coupled to the coils of each tube at a predetermined angular position of the tube in its cycle of rotation to abruptly oppose centrifugal movement of the ferro-magnetic mass therein, thereby generating a reaction force tending to impart motion to the frame.

10 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures 25 TOTlMER CONTROL CIRCUIT Patented Feb; 5, 1974 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 KHZ; E.

Patefited Feb. 5, 1974 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 5' CENTER|N6 SIGNAL r PULSE FOR COILS 22*42 G l MS-A I i 0 PULSE FOR COILS 244-44- BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Due to the complexity of internal combustion engines, their relatively high cost, and the high pollution content of their exhaust gases, much effect has been expended in the past to develop alternate power plants for the many different types of vehicles that are presently driven by internal combustion engines. To date, however, these efforts have not produced a replacement for the internal combustion engine. Accordingly, the principal object of this invention is to provide an engine which is better suited than internal combustion engines for driving vehicles.

Another object of this invention is to provide an engine that does not pollute the environment in which it is used.

A further object of this invention is to provide an engine that operates directly on the frame of a vehicle so as to eliminate the need for drive shafts, transmissions, drive wheels, propellers, and the like.

An additional object of this invention is to provide an engine that is relatively simple in structure and reliable in operation.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an engine that is relatively inexpensive in cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the invention, the above-noted objects are attained by providing at least one tube of non-magnetic material andmeans for mounting the tube for rotation on a frame about an axis which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tube. An electric motor is coupled to the tube to rotate it around its axis of rotation. The tube has an electrical coil wound therearound and a ferromagnetic mass slideably mounted therein. A source of electrical energy is periodically coupled to the coil at predetermined angular positions of the tubes in its cycle of rotation to abruptly oppose centrifugal movement of the ferro-magnetic mass, thereby generating a reaction force tending to impart motion to the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIG. 1, one illustrative embodiment of the invention utilizes two rotating tube assemblies and 12 which are both mounted for rotation within a housing 14 and are rotated in opposite directions by corresponding electric motors 16 and 18. The rotating tube assembly 10 includes a tube 20, within a cylindrical sleeve 21, which has coils 22 and 24 wound around the opposite portions thereof. Electrical energy is applied to the coils 22 and 24 through a slip ring assembly 26 and brush assemblies 28 and 30. A hub 32 is formed on the central portion of the sleeve 21 for receiving the motor shaft 34. The outer surface of the hub 32 and the opposing inner surface of the housing 14 are grooved to receive ball bearings 36. A slideable ferro-magnetic mass 38 is slideably mounted within the interior of the tube 20. The slideable ferro-magnetic mass 38, preferably comprising a pair of spaced disks connected by a rod as illustrated, is permanently magnetized and is movable under the influence of centrifugal force toward one end or the other of the tube 20 except when its movement is inhibited by magnetic fields generated by current flow through the coils 22 and 24.

The rotating tube assembly 12 similarly contains a rotating, non-magnetic tube 40, encased in a sleeve 41, which tube has coils 42 and 44 wound on opposing ends thereof. A permanently magnetized slideable ferro-magnetic mass 46 is slideably mounted within the tube 40 and is free to move therein under the influence of centrifugal force except when opposed by magnetic fields generated through the coils 42 and 44. Electrical energy is applied to the coils 42 and 44 through a slip ring 48 and brush assemblies 50 and 52. A hub 54 is formed in the center of the sleeve 41 for receiving the motor shaft 56. The outer face of the hub 54 and opposing surface of the housing 14 are grooved to receive ball bearings 58.

The tube assemblies 10 and 12 are rotated in opposite directions by their respective motors 16 and 18 so as to equalize the torque within the unit when the tubes are rotating. The speed of rotation of the two tubes 10 and 12 is synchronized by means of bevel gears and 62 which are attached respectively to the sleeves 21 and 41 of tubes 10 and 12 and which engage each other through a pair of matching bevel gears 64. The bevel gears 64 are journalled to the opposing sides of the housing 14 by means of shafts 66 which are journalled in inwardly-projecting hubs 68.

The housing 14 has a flat, dish-shaped top and bottom and a cylindrical side wall which latter has trunnions 70 and 72 projecting from opposite portions thereof. The trunnions 70 and 72 are journalled to upright frame members 74 and 76 which are attached at their bottom to a rotatable turntable 78. A sprocket 80 is attached to the trunnion 72 and is driven by a chain 82 which in turn engages a second sprocket 84 on the drive shaft of an electric motor 86. The purpose of the sprocket and chain assembly is to orient the housing 14 in any desired elevation angle with respect to the frame members 74 and 76. The rotating turntable 78 is rotatably mounted on top of a base 88 and can be moved to any desired azimuth position by means of a spur gear 90 which engages ring gear teeth 92 on the turntable 78. The spur gear 90 is driven by an electric motor 94 which is mounted to the base 88. By suitably energizing the electric motor 94, the rotating turntable 78 can be turned to any desired azimuth angle.

The electrical control system for the invention includes a control circuit 96 which is coupled through slip rings 98 which depend from the center of rotating turntable 78 and are connected to the turntable by means of inwardly-projecting arms 102. From the slip rings 98 and brushes 100 the electrical conductors pass through two slip ring assemblies 104 and 106 which are attached respectively to the trunions 70 and 72 and which are shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1 and also in FIG. 3. From the slip rings 104 and 106 the conductors are coupled to a timer circuit 108 and from there 3 through the brushes 28, 30, 50, and 52 to the coils 22, 24, 42, and 44.

In the operation of this embodiment of the invention the azimuth angle of the rotating turntable 78 and the elevation angle of the plane of the flat top or bottom of the housing 14 are first set to a predetermined azimuth angle'and elevation angle respectively at which it is desired that the motive force of the invention be directed. This is accomplished by means of an electrical signal from the control circuit 96 which causes the drive motors 94 and 86 to move the turntable and housing 14 to predetermined angular positions. After the desired azimuth and elevation angles have been thus set by the motors 94 and 86, the electrical motors 16 and 18 are started so as to rotate their respective tube assemblies and 12. When the rotating tube assemblies 10 and 12 are rotated, a centrifugal force will be developed which will tend to slide the ferro-magnetic masses 38 and 46 outwardly along their respective tubes 20 and 40. Initially,- however, the centrifugal force is counterbalanced by a small How of current through the coils 22, 24, 42, and 44 in such direction as to initially hold the ferro-magnetic masses 38 and 46 in the center of their respective tubes 20 and 40. When it is desired to develop a net force output from the device, the control circuit 96 and timer circuit 108 cause the small holding current through the coils 22, 24, 42, and 44 to be turned off to allow the ferro-magnetic masses 38 and 46 to move outwardly along their respective tubes 20 and 40 under the influence of centrifugal force.

As the ferro-magnetic masses 38 and 46 begin to accelerate outwardly along their respective tubes 20 and 40, they pick up mechanical energy from the rotation of the tubes, the amount of energy increasing as the masses approach the ends of the tubes. Before the ferro-magnetic masses 38 and 46 reach the ends of their respective tubes 20 and 40, however, they are abruptly halted and moved back toward the center of the tubes by a relatively large pulse of current through selected pairs of the coils 22, 24, 42, and 44. These relatively large pulses of current are applied from the timer circuit 108 at the time when the two tubes 20 and 40 are aligned in the same direction. The sudden stopping of the moving ferro-magnetic masses38 and 46 generates a reaction force impulse which is communicated through the mechanical linkage of the device to the base 88 thereof.

The tubes 20 and 40 will be aligned in the same direction twice during each cycle of operation. Therefore, in

order for the reaction force impulse to be directed in.

the same direction, the coils 22, 24, 42, and 44 must be energized in alternate pairs on corresponding half cycles of revolution. For the orientation of the coils illustrated in FIG. 1, coils 22 and 42 would be energized together in order to develop a force which is directed perpendicular to the sheet referring to the drawing in FIG. 1. During the next 180 of operation, the opposing ends of the tube carrying coils 24 and 44 will rotate and replace the coils 22 and 42. At this time, the current pulse will be generated in the coils 24 and 44 so that a reaction force impulse will again be generated directed perpendicular to the sheet but in a position 180 from the first position, as a result of continuous rotation of the tubes. In other words, a relatively large current pulse which opposes the motion of the'ferro-magnetic masses 38 and 46 is generated twice for every revolution of the tubes 20 and 40. The ferro-magnetic masses 38 and 46 are thus halted and reversed by impulses of current twice during each revolution of the tubes 20 and 40, one halt and reversal being generated when the coils 22 and 42 are energized, and the other halt and reversal being generated when the coils 24 and 44 are energized. The tubes 20 and 40 are rotated by their respective electric motors 16 and 18 at a high enough speed so that these impulses of force will smoothly merge together to develop a relatively steady output force.

FIG. 5 shows one illustrative switching circuit which can be incorporated into the timer 108 to perform the above-described switching operations for the coils 22, 24, 42, and 44. Referring to FIG. 5, a flip-flop FF-A is provided to control the condition where the current through the coils 22, 24, 42, and 44 is such as to maintain the ferro-magnetic masses 38 and 46 within the center of their respective tubes 20 and 40. When the flip-flop FF-A is in its set condition, the ferro-magnetic masses 38 and 46 are maintained within the center of their respective tubes 20 and 40, and when the flip-flop FF-A is in its reset condition, the ferro-magnetic masses 38 and 46 are released to move under the influence of centrifugal force. The flip-flop FF -A is switched into its set condition by means of a switch S, which couples a negative potential to the S input of the flip-flop FF-A from a battery B. The flip-flop FF-A is switched to its reset condition by opening the switch S, and closing a switch S which applies a negative potential to the R input of the flip-flop FF-A. Accordingly, the switch S is normally closed so as to maintain the ferro-magnetic masses 38 and 46 within the centers of their respective tubes 20 and 40, and when it is desired to produce a net output force from the device, the switch S, is opened and the switch S is closed which then enables the switching circuit to provide the current pulses for the coils 22, 24, 42, and 44.

The timing of the above-noted current pulses is determined by a pair of momentary contact switches S and S, which are actuated by a cam shaft C having a projecting tongue T. The cam shaft C is coupled to the shaft of the motor 16 and rotates once for each revolution thereof. Accordingly, the projecting tongue T on the cam shaft C actuates each switch S and 8, once during each revolution thereof. The timing of the operation of the switch S is controlled by the physical placement of the switch S withrelation to the tongue T so that switch S is actuated when the rotors are in the condition shown in FIG. 1, i.e. when the two tubes 20 and 40 are aligned with each other as shown. Under these conditions, the actuation of switch S applies a negative potential to the input terminal of a single-shot multi-vibrator MS-A. The output of single-shot multivibrator MS-A is'applied to a gate G which also receives an input signal from the zero output of flip-flop FF-A. Accordingly, if the flip-flop FF-A is in its reset condition, an output pulse will be developed in the gate G and this pulse will be amplified and applied to the coils 22 and 42 to oppose the motion of the magnetic masses 38 and 46 therein. The .time duration of the pulse applied to coils 22 and 42 is determined by a setting in the circuit MS-A as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

As the cam shaft C continues to rotate, when it arrives at from the location of the switch S it will contact and close the switch S and-thereby apply a negative voltage from the battery to'the input termiother input signal from the zero output terminal of flipflop FF-A. Accordingly, if the flip-flop FF-A is in its reset condition, the closing of the switch S, will cause a pulse output from the gate circuit G and this pulse output is amplified and applied to coils 24 and 44 which will at that time be aligned with each other in the same direction as the two coils 22 and 42 were aligned with each other at the time the pulse was generated in gate G Thus the gates G, and G alternately operate to first pulse the coils 22 and 42 and then the coils 24 and 44 with both pulses occurring once for each rotation of the cam shaft C.

The .pulses of force which are developed in the rotating tubes and 40 by the above-described current pulsing of the coils 22, 24, 42, and 44 are coupled through the mechanical structure and tend to urge the entire structure, including the housing 14, frame members 74 and 76, and base 88, in the direction of the force. As noted earlier, the direction of the force can be controlled by the two motors 94 and 86 which change the azimuth and elevation angles of the housing 14. It will be clear then that no drive shaft or drive wheels or propeller, or any other force translation device, is required inthis invention to move the vehicle in which it is mounted. The motive force will be coupled directly to the vehicle at the location where the vehicle is attached to the base 88.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an alternate rotating tube structure which can be used in place of the rotating tube assemblies 10 and 12 shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 4, this modification contains tube assemblies 111, 113, 142, and 144. Tube assemblies 111 and 113 are connected together by a common center and contain tubes 110 and 112 which have coils 114, 116, 118, and 120 wound therearound. Within the two tubes, permanently magnetized ferro-magnetic masses 122, 124, 128, and 130 are mounted, one in each of each tube. In this embodiment of the invention, the ferromagnetic masses are allowed to normally rest on the outer ends of the tubes. When the tubes are rotated, the current passed through the coils would first draw the ferro-magnetic masses away from the end of the tube and then release it for movement outward. The timing in this embodiment of the invention would be expedited by magnetic switches 132, 134, 136 and 138 which are mounted on the ends of tubes 110 and 112. These switches are sensitiveto the approach of the ferro-magnetic masses 122, 124, 128, and 130, and act as switching units for switching the large surge of current as the ferro-magnetic masses approach the ends of their respective tubes. The electrical energy is applied to the various windings through a slip ring assembly 140.

The other tubeassemblies 142 and 144 in FIG. 4 are identical with the tube assemblies 111 and 113 described above, and hence will not be described in detail. As in the other embodiment of the invention, the upper tube assemblies 1 l 1 and 1 13 rotate in one direction and the lower tube assemblies 142 and 144 rotate in the opposite direction in order to counterbalance the torques of the rotating system.

From the foregoing description it will be apparent that this invention provides an engine which is better suited for driving vehicles than the internal combustion engine. And although this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is by no means limited to the disclosed embodiments since many modifications can be made in the disclosed structure without altering the basic principles of operation. Such modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and this invention includes all modifications as may fall within the scope of the following claims.

What 1 claim is:

1. An impulse engine comprising a frame, a tube made of non-magnetic material, means mounting said tube on said frame for rotation about an axis which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tube, means for rotating said tube aboutsaid axis of rotation, a ferro-magnetic mass slideably mounted within said tube for free movement away from said axis in response to the action of centrifugal force, an electrical coil wound around said tube, a source of electrical energy, and means for periodically coupling said source of electrical energy to said coil at predetermined angular positions of said tube in its cycle of rotation to abruptly oppose centrifugal movement of said ferro-magnetic mass within said tube and generate a reaction force tending to impart lineal motion to said frame.

2. An impulse engine as defined in claim 1 wherein said tube is mounted for rotation about an axis which is intermediate the ends of the tube.

3. An impulse engine as defined in claim 1 wherein said ferro-magnetic mass is permanently magnetized.

4. An impulse engine as defined in claim 1 and further comprising a second tube made of non-magnetic.

material, means mounting said second tube on said frame for rotation about the same axis as the firstmentioned tube in axially spaced position therefrom, means for rotating said second tube around said axis of rotation, a second ferro-magnetic mass slideably mounted within said second tube, a second electrical coil wound around said second tube, and means for periodically coupling said source of electrical energy to said second coil at predetermined angular positions of said second tube in its cycle of rotation to abruptly opposed centrifugal movement of said second ferromagnetic mass and generate a reaction force tending to impart motion to said frame.

5. An impulse engine as defined in claim 4 wherein said first and second tubes are rotated in opposite directions about said axis of rotation.

6. An impulse engine as defined in claim 5 and further comprising synchronizing gears coupled between said first and second tubes to synchronize the rotation thereof.

7. An impulse engine as defined in claim 2 and further comprising a second electrical coil wound around said tube, the first-mentioned coil and said second coil being on opposite sides of said axis of rotation, and means coupling said second coil to said means for periodically coupling said source of electrical energy to the first-mentioned coil.

8. An impulse engine as defined in claim 1 and further comprising variable means attached to said frame for varying the angular position of the axis of rotation of said tube.

9. An impulse engine as defined in claim 8 wherein said tube is journalled within a housing, said housing being journalled to two upstanding frame members about an axis which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said tube, and further comprising means for 8 ably supported on a base, and further comprising means for rotatably varying the position of said rotatable turntable with respect to said base to vary the directional position of said housing. 

1. An impulse engine comprising a frame, a tube made of nonmagnetic material, means mounting said tube on said frame for rotation about an axis which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tube, means for rotating said tube about said axis of rotation, a ferro-magnetic mass slideably mounted within said tube for free movement away from said axis in response to the action of centrifugal force, an electrical coil wound around said tube, a source of electrical energy, and means for periodically coupling said source of electrical energy to said coil at predetermined angular positions of said tube in its cycle of rotation to abruptly oppose centrifugal movement of said ferromagnetic mass within said tube and generate a reaction force tending to impart lineal motion to said frame.
 2. An impUlse engine as defined in claim 1 wherein said tube is mounted for rotation about an axis which is intermediate the ends of the tube.
 3. An impulse engine as defined in claim 1 wherein said ferro-magnetic mass is permanently magnetized.
 4. An impulse engine as defined in claim 1 and further comprising a second tube made of non-magnetic material, means mounting said second tube on said frame for rotation about the same axis as the first-mentioned tube in axially spaced position therefrom, means for rotating said second tube around said axis of rotation, a second ferro-magnetic mass slideably mounted within said second tube, a second electrical coil wound around said second tube, and means for periodically coupling said source of electrical energy to said second coil at predetermined angular positions of said second tube in its cycle of rotation to abruptly opposed centrifugal movement of said second ferro-magnetic mass and generate a reaction force tending to impart motion to said frame.
 5. An impulse engine as defined in claim 4 wherein said first and second tubes are rotated in opposite directions about said axis of rotation.
 6. An impulse engine as defined in claim 5 and further comprising synchronizing gears coupled between said first and second tubes to synchronize the rotation thereof.
 7. An impulse engine as defined in claim 2 and further comprising a second electrical coil wound around said tube, the first-mentioned coil and said second coil being on opposite sides of said axis of rotation, and means coupling said second coil to said means for periodically coupling said source of electrical energy to the first-mentioned coil.
 8. An impulse engine as defined in claim 1 and further comprising variable means attached to said frame for varying the angular position of the axis of rotation of said tube.
 9. An impulse engine as defined in claim 8 wherein said tube is journalled within a housing, said housing being journalled to two upstanding frame members about an axis which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said tube, and further comprising means for varying the angular position of said housing with respect to said upstanding frame members.
 10. An impulse engine as defined in claim 9 wherein said upstanding frame members are supported by a rotatable turntable, said rotatable turntable being rotatably supported on a base, and further comprising means for rotatably varying the position of said rotatable turntable with respect to said base to vary the directional position of said housing. 